Dedicated hardware for Facebook push video chat
Facebook released its third-generation portal video call device and a new service on Tuesday, which will allow enterprises to batch distribute video conferencing devices that can be remotely managed for their employees.
Facebook's move shows that it is still optimistic about the field of video calls, and it expects people to continue the habit of video conferencing or chatting. The company first announced its portal device in 2018, but did not disclose any sales figures. As the company continues to delay its return to the office, Facebook sees a growing demand for people to connect with colleagues and relatives through video calls. Portal devices will compete with Amazon's echo show and Google's nest hub products.
One of the highlights of the new product is portal go, which is a device worth 199 yuan. The device has a 10 inch screen, which can be picked up from its charging stand and used anywhere in the home. Portal go has a handle and strong battery life. It can make a one-to-one video call through the messenger app for up to 5 hours, or 14 hours when the video is turned off.
Facebook also announced a new version of portal +, which retails for 349 yuan and has a 14 inch wide display that can adjust the video angle. The design of the new portal + is suitable for video calls placed next to the computer on the user's desk. Facebook says its sound quality is better than the first version.
The third generation portal will accept advance orders from Tuesday and will ship goods to customers on October 19.
In addition, Facebook announced portal for business, a service for small and medium-sized enterprises that will allow companies to purchase, distribute and remotely manage portal devices for their employees. Collins told CNBC that as more and more companies turn to the hybrid mode of remote and physical office, Facebook sees the opportunity of such services. Collins said that portal for business will launch a beta version in the United States this year and will be widely launched next year.
"Considering that we have to have a lot of video communication on weekdays, portal is very useful, and this trend will not disappear," he said
Facebook will introduce Microsoft's teams program into the portal in December to attract more professional users in the workplace. This will allow portal owners to use the device to access their teams calendar, contacts, file sharing and chat functions. The portal already supports other work applications, such as zoom, bluejeans and WebEx.